Ralph Lauren quietly shuttered its two-year-old 20,000-square-foot store last week. Other brands are expected to close boutiques in a city that has lost its luster for cash-rich mainland Chinese tourists.

The Miss USA beauty pageant is scheduled to be broadcast live on NBC on June 8 in Baton Rouge, LA.

SWIMMING WITH MISS USA: Kandice Pelletier Swimwear has been selected as the official swimwear sponsor of the Miss USA 2014 competition.

The Miss USA beauty pageant is scheduled to be broadcast live on NBC on June 8 in Baton Rouge, LA. This year’s competition will feature titleholders from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, culminating in the crowning of Miss USA 2014.

The designer, Kandice Pelletier, is a former Miss New York, Radio City Rockette, and two-time contestant on The Amazing Race. The luxury swimwear brand, which is designed and made in New York City, is specifically crafted with the on-stage competitor in mind, distinguished by upscale fabrics, colorful accents, lining, and construction.

Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, described Pelletier as “one of the country’s exciting up-and-coming swimsuit designers.”

“Her experience, both as a designer and former competitor, is a great combination for this year’s show,” said Shugart.

Outfitting elite pageant competitors is nothing new to Pelletier, whose company serves as the official swimwear of Miss Florida, Miss Oklahoma and Miss New Connecticut, among other states. Her impressive list of titleholder clients includes the last two Miss Americas, Miss Teen USA, and Miss International, which has earned Pelletier the nickname in beauty pageant circles, “America’s pageant swimwear expert.”

Pelletier said designing swimwear for on-stage wear is much different than for the beach.”

“Our suits have to be stress-free and inspire confidence. When you have 30 seconds to change backstage before being judged in front of millions of viewers, the last thing you should be worried about is your swimsuit,” she explained.

Pelletier said she believes the design of this year’s swimsuits needs to have the right balance of style and glamour, while paying tribute to Louisiana’s unique cultural history.

“The right swimsuit compliments a woman’s shape and inspires confidence…Like a beautiful painting, it’s often the subtle touches that add intrigue and depth,” she said.

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